What is responsible tourism
Responsible Tourism is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’.
The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
Responsible Tourism:
• Minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
•Improves working conditions and access to the industry
•Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
•Provides access for physically challenged people
• Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”
The distinguishing characteristic of the approach is the focus on the responsibility of role-players in the tourism sector, and destinations in general, to take action to achieve sustainable tourism development. Increasing numbers of consumers are looking at the reputation and responsibility of the companies they buy from; they want to have “guilt free” holidays. This affects their direct purchases from companies in tourism destinations and it influences the choices of source market companies too. UK and other European and Australian companies and increasingly American companies are asking about the responsibility of their suppliers and introducing check lists which rate the sustainability of their practices.
Responsible tourism principles
Principles for Economic Responsibility
Assess economic impacts before developing tourism and exercise preference for those forms of development that benefit local communities and minimise negative impacts on local livelihoods (for example through loss of access to resources), recognising that tourism may not always be the most appropriate form of local economic development Maximise local economic benefits by increasing linkages and reducing leakages, by ensuring that communities are
Principles for Social Responsibility
Assess economic impacts before developing tourism and exercise preference for those forms of development that benefit local communities and minimise negative impacts on local livelihoods (for example through loss of access to resources), recognising that tourism may not always be the most appropriate form of local economic development Maximise local economic benefits by increasing linkages and reducing leakages, by ensuring that communities
Principles for Environmental Responsibility
Assess environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of tourist establishments and operations – including the planning and design phase - and ensure that negative impacts are reduced to the minimum and maximising positive ones Use resources sustainably, and reduce waste and over-consumption Manage natural diversity sustainably, and where appropriate restore it; and consider the volume and type of tourism that the environment can su
Responsible Travel Tips
Whether you are planning a trip of a lifetime or a weekend vacation with the family, responsible travel can make a significant difference in the community and environment you visit.
Being a responsible traveler means more than just offsetting your carbon emissions, it requires thought and preparation. Responsible travel is based on the principles of sustainability and it requires you to examine the environmental, social and economic dimensions of your trip. Responsible travel is all about minimizing the impact of your travel and maximizing the benefits for local economies, environments and host communities.
ROW Adventures, in celebrating its 30 years of service, has created 30 ways you can be a more responsible traveler.
Community based tourism
A community by definition implies individuals with some kind of collective responsibility, and the ability to make decisions by representative bodies.
Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation.
The residents earn income as land managers, entrepreneurs, service and produce providers, and employees. At least part of the tourist income is set aside for projects which provide benefits to the community as a whole.
Community based tourism enables the tourist to discover local habitats and wildlife, and celebrates and respects traditional cultures, rituals and wisdom. The community will be aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and this will foster community based conservation of these resources.
The tourist accommodation and facilities will be of sufficient standard for Western visitors, albeit those expecting simple rural accommodation. The community will be required to have continuous access to a phone (which might be required for medical assistance) and daily access to email (which will be required by operators to confirm bookings).
The community may choose to partner with a private sector partner to provide capital, clients, marketing, tourist accommodation or other expertise. Subject to agreement to the ideals of supporting community development and conservation, and to planning the tourism development in partnership with the community, this partner may or may not own part of the tourism enterprise.
World responsible tourism award
The Responsible Tourism Awards were founded in 2004 by responsibletravel.com, that run the Awards in partnership with Metro Newspaper, Geographical Magazine - the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society, and World Travel Market. Virgin Holidays became headline sponsors of the Awards in 2007 and have continued to support us.
The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. The Awards recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Responsible Tourism Awards are different from other awards schemes in that winners are nominated by tourists. One of the founding principles of the Awards is always to seek out new responsible tourism ventures that deserve to be celebrated and your nominations are fundamental to this process.
Responsible Tourism Awards categories:
=> Best tour operator for local economies
=> Best accommodation for the environment
=> Best accommodation for local communities
=> Best in a mountain environment
=> Best in a marine environment
=> Best cruise or ferry operator
=> Best low carbon transport & technology
=> Best for conservation of wildlife and habitats
=> Best for conservation of cultural heritage
=> Best for poverty reduction
=> Best destination
=> Best personal contribution
=> Best volunteering organization
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